Pogacar's rivals must work out how to defeat a champion at the top of his game | William Fotheringham
Briefly

Tadej Pogacar's fourth Tour win was marked by an absence of excitement, reflecting a resignation to the outcome by observers. His demeanor, described as sulky and lacking joie de vivre, contributed to a somber atmosphere during the event. Unlike previous wins that elicited admiration and surprise, this victory felt inevitable and devoid of suspense. The intensity of the Tour, reaching a peak in challenging stages, mirrored the brutal nature of competition, yet Pogacar's comfortable lead only amplified feelings of inevitability and the emotional detachment surrounding his achievement.
Fourth Tour wins are more for the record books than the heart, the penultimate step to cycling greatness, often doing little to warm the soul at the time.
As Tadej Pogacar's fourth Tour win approached, his lack of joie de vivre raised concerns about the atmosphere, as he appeared bored and sulky.
Pogacar's fourth Tour win felt inevitable from the moment of the first time check during the time trial, marking a lack of suspense throughout.
This has been an intense Tour, with barely any respite, culminating in a demanding stage that was described as the two-wheeled equivalent of Napoleon's retreat.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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